Numerous households facing financial difficulties may qualify for up to £1,700 in energy assistance from British Gas, even if they are not customers.
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its support scheme for individuals and families, catering to both pre-payment and credit customers with energy debts ranging from £50 to £1,700 for pre-payment customers and £250 to £1,700 for credit customers.
To qualify, applicants must have a household income below £18,723 or reside with someone who is disabled and receives disability benefits, a Carers Allowance recipient, or be in a household with three or more children.
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Before applying for the fund, individuals meeting the criteria should seek guidance from a free money advice charity like Citizens Advice. Applicants who have been rejected for assistance by their energy supplier cannot apply unless their supplier runs a similar scheme.
Furthermore, individuals who have received a grant from British Gas Energy Trust within the past two years are ineligible to apply.
Jessica Taplin, the head of British Gas Energy Trust, commented on the fund’s reopening, emphasizing its importance in providing essential support to households struggling with energy costs and financial burdens, irrespective of their energy supplier.
This initiative coincides with the recent increase in energy bills, as the Ofgem price cap has risen from £1,720 to £1,755 for a typical dual fuel household paying by direct debit.
The Ofgem price cap, effective until December 31, applies to standard variable rate (SVR) tariffs, not fixed-rate deals, limiting the
